Washington Wine Industry Hopes to Infiltrate Asian Markets

BENTON CITY, Wash. - Ten days of a wine tour in Asia. It all kicks off Saturday with about a dozen different Washington wineries, the lieutenant governor and representatives from the state's Wine Commission. The goal? To bring our fine wines to tables spanning the globe.

"The way consumers think is completely different than they do here, you know. But they love wine and it's booming," said Boo Walker of Hedges Family Estate.

He and Christophe Hedges will represent Red Mountain on the wine tour, sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission.

"Our wines are on a quality level on par with some of the greatest wine growing regions in the world. So if you're going to make that statement, then you need to be operating in those spaces," said marketing director Rob Anderson.

"It's up to wineries like hedges to go there and promote and sell and have them experience our wines," said Christophe Hedges.

Hedges is one of a dozen Washington wineries being represented overseas. They'll be on display at two major trade shows: the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, Prowine Shanghai and an event in South Korea, as well.

Each winery has their own goals and agendas but there's also a central focus on growing the state's wine reputation.

"They truly believe in getting that brand out there and they support getting the message of quality wines from Washington state, penetrating the global marketplace," said Anderson.

In November 2017, representative(s) from the Tom Denchel Ford dealership in Prosser contacted the Prosser Police Department about an employee that may be involved in embezzling funds from the dealership.

In November 2017, representative(s) from the Tom Denchel Ford dealership in Prosser contacted the Prosser Police Department about an employee that may be involved in embezzling funds from the dealership.